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Delayed Intramural Duodenal Hematoma After a Simple Diagnostic Endoscopic Ultrasonography Fine-Needle Aspiration Procedure. ACG Case Rep J 2019; 6:e00279. [PMID: 32309476 PMCID: PMC7145211 DOI: 10.14309/crj.0000000000000279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2019] [Accepted: 09/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
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Kepron C, Walker A, Milroy CM. Are There Hallmarks of Child Abuse? II. Non-Osseous Injuries. Acad Forensic Pathol 2016; 6:591-607. [PMID: 31239933 DOI: 10.23907/2016.057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 10/07/2016] [Accepted: 11/11/2016] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Certain conditions have been considered hallmarks of child abuse. Such pathognomonic conditions have led to an inevitable diagnosis of inflicted injury. Forensic pathologists are faced with complex analyses and decisions related to what is and what is not child abuse. In this review, we examine the literature on the specificity of five conditions that have been linked to inflicted injury to varying degrees of certainty. The conditions examined include tears of the labial frena (frenula), cigarette burns, pulmonary hemorrhage and intraalveolar hemosiderin-laden macrophages as markers of upper airway obstruction, intraabdominal injuries, and anogenital injuries and postmortem changes. Analysis of the literature indicates that frena tears are not uniquely an inflicted injury. Cigarette burns are highly indicative of child abuse, though isolated cigarette burns may be accidental. Pulmonary hemorrhage is seen more commonly in cases with a history suggestive of upper airway obstruction, but is not diagnostic in an individual case. Hemosiderin-laden macrophages may be seen in cases with inflicted injuries and in natural deaths. Abdominal injuries may be seen in accidents and from resuscitation, though panreatico-duodenal complex injuries in children under five years of age are not reported to be seen in falls or resuscitation. The understanding of anogenital injuries is increasing, but misunderstanding of postmortem changes has led to miscarriages of justice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charis Kepron
- Ontario Forensic Pathology Service - Eastern Ontario Regional Forensic Pathology Unit and University of Ottawa - Pathology and Laboratory Medicine
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Goddard L, Bowkett B, Kenwright D. Elasticity of abdominal wall vessels in children: clinical implications in child abuse. ANZ J Surg 2014; 84:755-7. [PMID: 24995516 DOI: 10.1111/ans.12715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/21/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Abdominal trauma secondary to non-accidental injury is associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality. It has been noted that children who have suffered abusive abdominal injuries often lack abdominal wall bruising. We hypothesize that children have highly elastic vessels that stretch instead of rupturing when the abdomen is punched. Our study investigates the degree of elasticity in abdominal wall vessels in young children. METHODS Twenty children aged less than 5 years undergoing routine hernia repair or orchidopexy were included in our study. Subcutaneous vessels were identified during the procedures. The vessels were measured at resting length and when stretched to maximum length prior to rupture. Samples of the vessels were then collected for histological examination. RESULTS On average, we were able to stretch the vessels to 3.4 times their resting length without rupture. Histology revealed that the vessel walls contained a high amount of elastin. CONCLUSION We have demonstrated a high degree of elasticity in the abdominal wall vessels of young children. This may help to explain why children do not bruise when hit in the abdomen. Our findings have potential implications for both clinical practitioners and paediatric surgeons involved in child abuse cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy Goddard
- Department of Paediatric Surgery, Wellington Children's Hospital, Wellington, New Zealand
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Maguire SA, Upadhyaya M, Evans A, Mann MK, Haroon MM, Tempest V, Lumb RC, Kemp AM. A systematic review of abusive visceral injuries in childhood--their range and recognition. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2013; 37:430-445. [PMID: 23306146 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2012.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2012] [Revised: 10/28/2012] [Accepted: 10/31/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To define what abusive visceral injuries occur, including their clinical features and the value of screening tests for abdominal injury among abused children. METHODS We searched 12 databases, with snowballing techniques, for the period 1950-2011, with all identified studies undergoing two independent reviews by trained reviewers, drawn from pediatrics, radiology, pediatric surgery and pathology. Of 5802 studies identified, 188 were reviewed. We included studies of children aged 0-18, with confirmed abusive etiology, whose injury was defined by computed tomography, contrast studies or at surgery/post mortem. We excluded injuries due to sexual abuse, or those exclusively addressing management or outcome. RESULTS Of 88 included studies (64 addressing abdominal injuries), only five were comparative. Every organ in the body has been injured, intra-thoracic injuries were commoner in those aged less than five years. Children with abusive abdominal injuries were younger (2.5-3.7 years vs. 7.6-10.3 years) than accidentally injured children. Duodenal injuries were commonly recorded in abused children, particularly involving the third or fourth part, and were not reported in accidentally injured children less than four years old. Liver and pancreatic injuries were frequently recorded, with potential pancreatic pseudocyst formation. Abdominal bruising was absent in up to 80% of those with abdominal injuries, and co-existent injuries included fractures, burns and head injury. Post mortem studies revealed that a number of the children had sustained previous, unrecognized, abdominal injuries. The mortality from abusive abdominal injuries was significantly higher than accidental injuries (53% vs. 21%). Only three studies addressed screening for abdominal injury among abused children, and were unsuitable for meta-analysis due to lack of standardized investigations, in particular those with 'negative' screening tests were not consistently investigated. CONCLUSIONS Visceral injuries may affect any organ of the body, predominantly abdominal viscera. A non-motor vehicle related duodenal trauma in a child aged<five years warrants consideration of abuse as an etiology. In the absence of clear evidence for a screening strategy, clinical vigilance is warranted in any young child with suspected abuse for the presence of abdominal injury, where the absence of abdominal bruising or specific symptoms does not preclude significant injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- S A Maguire
- Child Health Department, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, University Hospital of Wales, Heath Park, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK
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Pandey S, Niranjan A, Mishra S, Agrawal T, Singhal BM, Prakash A, Attri PC. Retrospective analysis of duodenal injuries: a comprehensive overview. Saudi J Gastroenterol 2011; 17:142-4. [PMID: 21372354 PMCID: PMC3099062 DOI: 10.4103/1319-3767.77247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIM Duodenal injury is an uncommon finding, accounting for about about 3-5% of abdominal trauma, mainly resulting from both penetrating and blunt trauma, and is associated with significant mortality (6-25%) and morbidity (30-60%). PATIENTS AND METHODS Retrospective analysis was performed in terms of presentation, management, morbidity and mortality on 14 patients of duodenal injuries out of a total of 172 patients of abdominal trauma attending Subharti Medical College. RESULTS Epigastric pain (100%) along with vomiting (100%) is the usual presentation of duodenal injuries in blunt abdominal trauma, especially to the upper abdomen. Computed tomography (CT) was diagnostic in all cases. Isolated duodenal injury is a rare finding and the second part is mostly affected. CONCLUSION Duodenal injury should always be suspected in blunt upper abdominal trauma, especially in those presenting with epigastric pain and vomiting. Investigation by CT and early surgical intervention in these patients are valuable tools to reduce the morbidity and mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanjay Pandey
- Department of Surgery, Subharti Medical College, Meerut, India.
| | | | - Shashank Mishra
- Department of Surgery, Subharti Medical College, Meerut, India
| | - Tarun Agrawal
- Department of Surgery, Subharti Medical College, Meerut, India
| | | | - Akhil Prakash
- Department of Surgery, Subharti Medical College, Meerut, India
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Davison AM, Lazda EJ. Small bowel perforation and fatal peritonitis following a fall in a 21-month-old child. Forensic Sci Med Pathol 2008; 4:250-4. [PMID: 19291447 DOI: 10.1007/s12024-008-9041-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2007] [Accepted: 04/07/2008] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The authors report a case of fatal peritonitis due to small bowel perforation in a 21-month-old female child. Necropsy excluded natural disease and a thorough Coronial investigation concluded that an accidental fall onto a "doorstop" caused the bowel injury. The investigative findings are presented; the discussion address issues of diagnosis and causation/mechanism of injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew M Davison
- Wales Institute of Forensic Medicine, Cardiff University College of Medicine, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK.
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Osuka A, Idoguchi K, Muguruma T, Ishikawa K, Mizushima Y, Matsuoka T. Duodenal disruption diagnosed 5 days after blunt trauma in a 2-year-old child: report of a case. Surg Today 2007; 37:984-8. [PMID: 17952532 DOI: 10.1007/s00595-007-3529-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2006] [Accepted: 02/10/2007] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Blunt duodenal injury in children is uncommon and diagnosis is often delayed because of its retroperitoneal location. Both diagnosis and treatment are difficult. We report the case of a 2-year-old boy whose trauma injury was not reported for 5 days. His vital signs were stable, but he was vomiting bile-stained fluid and his stools were white. The third portion of the duodenum was completely disrupted, and was repaired by pyloric exclusion with duodenal and bile duct drainage. The child recovered uneventfully. We discuss the diagnostic strategies and therapeutic measures for this type of injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akinori Osuka
- Osaka Prefectural Senshu Critical Care Medical Center, 2-24 Rinku Orai-kita, Izumisano, Osaka 598-0048, Japan
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Harting MT, Doherty D, Lally KP, Andrews WM, Cox CS. Modified pyloric exclusion for infants with complex duodenal injuries. Pediatr Surg Int 2005; 21:569-72. [PMID: 15926045 DOI: 10.1007/s00383-005-1457-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/23/2004] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Duodenal injuries among infants are exceedingly rare. The use of pyloric exclusion in the treatment of infants is previously unreported. We report three cases of duodenal injury in infants who were surgically managed through duodenal diversion via pyloric exclusion with concomitant tube gastrostomy. A subsequent discussion of pyloric exclusion highlights the therapeutic rationale, surgical technique, and previous experience with this procedure in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew T Harting
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Texas Medical School, MSB 5.246, 6431 Fannin, Houston, TX, USA
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Abstract
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE The natural history and management of pediatric duodenal injuries are incompletely described. This study sought to review injury mechanism, surgical management, and outcomes from a collected series of pediatric duodenal injuries. METHODS A retrospective chart review was conducted for a 10-year period of all children less than 18 years old treated for duodenal injuries at 2 pediatric trauma centers. RESULTS Forty-two children were treated for duodenal injuries. There were 33 blunt and 9 penetrating injuries. Injuries were classified using the Organ Injury Scale for the Duodenum. Twenty-four patients underwent operative management by primary repair (18), duodenal resection and gastrojejunostomy (4), or pyloric exclusion (2). Duodenal hematomas were treated nonoperatively in 94% of cases. The average ISS for operative versus nonoperative cases was 23 and 10, respectively. Delay in diagnosis or operative intervention (>24 hours) was associated with increased complication rate (43% v 29%) and hospitalization (32 v 20 days). Nine children requiring surgery experienced delays and were most highly associated with foreign body, child abuse, and bicycle injuries. There were no deaths caused by duodenal injuries. CONCLUSIONS Duodenal injuries in children were predominantly blunt and had a low mortality rate. When surgery was required, primary repair was usually feasible.
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Affiliation(s)
- J N Clendenon
- Primary Children's Medical Center, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
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Abstract
PURPOSE It is frequently overlooked that child abuse may result in significant intraabdominal injury, particularly to the duodenum. The authors hypothesized that a significant number of duodenal injuries in young children would be the result of nonaccidental trauma. METHODS An 8-year (1995 through 2002) retrospective review of a pediatric level I trauma center database was performed after Institutional Review Board approval was obtained, and information regarding patients with duodenal injury was abstracted. Demographic variables, injury severity, length of stay, mortality rate, and mechanism of injury were examined. Statistical analysis was performed using descriptive statistics and Student's t test. Statistical significance was defined as P less than.05. RESULTS Over the 8-year study period, 8,968 patients were admitted, 2,179 (24%) were less than 3 years of age. Thirty children (0.3%) suffered injury to the duodenum, with 20 hematomas and 10 perforations. Patients were overwhelmingly boys (80%), with an average age of 7.6 +/- 4.4 years and Injury Severity Score (ISS) of 14 +/- 10. No patients died. Children were injured by a variety of mechanisms, including collisions involving motor vehicles (n = 9), bicycles (n = 4), and ATVs (n = 2). However, all children less than 4 years of age (n = 8) were victims of nonaccidental trauma, 2.8% of all child abuse admissions. Three of these children suffered perforations of the duodenum. Among the entire population, those children who suffered perforations had a significantly higher ISS (23.7 +/- 7.2 v 9.6 +/- 7.3; P <.0003) and longer length of stay (27.1 +/- 15.3 v 12.6 +/- 11.7; P <.007) than those with hematomas CONCLUSIONS Injury to the duodenum is unusual in the pediatric trauma patient but does result in significant injury severity and prolonged hospitalization. In the young child, one must maintain a high index of suspicion regarding the etiology of the injury, because a large percentage is potentially the result of child abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara A Gaines
- Benedum Program in Trauma, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
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Desai KM, Dorward IG, Minkes RK, Dillon PA. Blunt duodenal injuries in children. THE JOURNAL OF TRAUMA 2003; 54:640-5; discussion 645-6. [PMID: 12707524 DOI: 10.1097/01.ta.0000056184.80706.9b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Duodenal injury secondary to blunt trauma continues to pose a diagnostic challenge. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the cause, radiologic findings, and management of duodenal injuries from a Level I pediatric trauma center. METHODS A retrospective review of our trauma registry from 1990 to 2000 identified 24 children with blunt duodenal injuries. Clinical and radiographic findings and management strategies were assessed and compared in children with duodenal hematomas and perforations. RESULTS The majority of injuries were secondary to motor vehicle collisions. Pancreatic (42%) injuries were most commonly associated with duodenal trauma. With the exception of hematocrit level, initial clinical and laboratory findings were similar between groups. Of the 19 (79%) with duodenal hematomas, computed tomographic (CT) scan alone identified 15 and the remaining 4 were confirmed by duodenography. Incision and drainage of a hematoma was performed in two children. Duodenal perforation was identified in five (21%) children. Extraluminal air by CT scan was present in three of five children with perforation; however, none had extravasation of contrast. Four (80%) children with perforations underwent primary repair and one (20%) required segmental resection. CONCLUSION CT scanning remains a valuable tool in the diagnosis of blunt duodenal injuries in children. Although extravasation of oral contrast was not beneficial, the presence of extraluminal air was highly suggestive of perforation. The vast majority of hematomas were successfully managed nonoperatively, and duodenorrhaphy was safe and effective therapy for perforations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ketan M Desai
- Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis Children's Hospital, Missouri 63110, USA
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Ladd AP, West KW, Rouse TM, Scherer LR, Rescorla FJ, Engum SA, Grosfeld JL. Surgical management of duodenal injuries in children. Surgery 2002; 132:748-52; discussion 751-3. [PMID: 12407361 DOI: 10.1067/msy.2002.127673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The goal of this study was to review current injury characteristics, severity, intervention, and outcome of duodenal injuries from a single, pediatric trauma facility. METHODS A retrospective review was performed of duodenal injuries in children less than 16 years of age from 1990 to 2000. RESULTS Twelve children had duodenal injuries as a result of blunt abdominal trauma. Six injuries were the result of motor vehicle crashes. Nonaccidental trauma (2) and contact injury (4) provided the remaining cases. Diagnosis was achieved by abdominal computed tomography. Severity of duodenal injury included grade I (1), II (8), and III (3). Seven patients had associated visceral or neurologic injuries. Average Injury Severity Score was 18. Duodenal repair was required in 9 of the 10 patients explored. Treatment included observation (3); primary repair, alone, (2) or with proximal decompression (4); and pyloric exclusion with gastrojejunostomy (3). Exclusion techniques had fewer complications (0% vs 57%) and fewer hospital days (19 vs 23). CONCLUSIONS Blunt abdominal trauma remains the most prevalent mechanism for pediatric duodenal injuries. Patients undergoing pyloric exclusion for severe duodenal trauma had a lesser morbidity and a shorter hospital stay in this small series. Pyloric exclusion remains an alternative for the treatment of severe duodenal injuries in selected children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan P Ladd
- J.W. Riley Hospital for Children, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Ind 46202, USA
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE Abusive parents often report that a fall on stairs resulted in their children's injuries. This review explores whether there is any evidence in the medical literature that a fall on stairs could be a plausible explanation for a small intestine perforation. METHODOLOGY The English-language medical literature was searched by Medline, for a 29-year period (1970-1998), for reports of the types of injuries sustained in falls on stairs and for reports of the types of blunt abdominal trauma that result in small intestine perforations. Articles that exclusively focused on infant walker injuries or the elderly were excluded. Duodenal, jejunal, and ileal perforations were included, whereas intestinal hematomas and undescribed intestinal injuries were excluded. All types of injuries to the stomach, colon, and rectum were excluded. RESULTS Falls on stairs were not reported to be a cause for any of the 312 cases of small intestine perforations reviewed. There were no reports of any intraabdominal injuries, including small intestine perforations, in any of the 677 cases of falls on stairs reviewed. Falls on stairs rarely resulted in any type of truncal injury. CONCLUSIONS Although falls on stairs have been reported to be the most common cause of injury in childhood, no evidence was found to support the contention that an unobstructed fall on stairs could be consistent with perforation of the small intestine.
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Affiliation(s)
- C M Huntimer
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship Program, University of South Dakota, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, USA.
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Abstract
Traumatic duodenal perforations in children pose a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. To identify specific diagnostic criteria and define an optimal therapeutic protocol, we reviewed all duodenal injuries treated at our institution in the past 10 years. There were 14 hematomas and 13 perforations. The diagnosis was confirmed by computed tomography (CT), ultrasound scan (US), upper gastrointestinal contrast studies (UGI), or at laparotomy. The clinical findings and CT findings of the two groups were compared. Children with suspected duodenal hematomas were treated expectantly, and children with duodenal perforations were treated surgically. Twenty-five associated injuries (10 pancreatic) occurred in 19 children. Children with perforations had higher injury severity scores (ISS) (25 v 9), but the two groups could not be differentiated based on presenting signs, symptoms, or laboratory findings. CT findings of retroperitoneal air or contrast were seen in 9 of 9 perforations and in 0 of 10 hematomas. CT findings of intraabdominal or retroperitoneal fluid, mesenteric enhancement, and thickened duodenal wall did not differentiate the two groups. Duodenojejunostomy was performed in one patient, and primary repair was performed in 11 children who had perforation. In five children, duodenostomy tube drainage with feeding jejunostomy or gastrojejunostomy were added. Complications occurred in three of four children in the first 5 years of the study and in two of nine children in the last 5 years. The decreased morbidity rate correlated with reduced time to definitive therapy (28 v 7.8 hours). Duodenal fistulae resulted in three of seven children treated without duodenostomy tube drainage and zero of five treated with drainage. Enteral feeds resumed faster (average, 12 v 27 days) if repair of perforation was combined with feeding jejunostomy or pyloric exclusion and gastrojejunostomy. Children with duodenal hematoma resumed eating an average of 16 days after injury. Only one child required surgery for persistent obstruction. The findings of retroperitoneal air and contrast extravasation on CT accurately distinguish duodenal perforation from hematoma. Conservative management of hematoma is safe and effective. Primary repair of perforation with duodenal drainage results in fewer postoperative complications, and gastrojejunostomy or feeding jejunostomy shorten the time to resumption of feeds.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Shilyansky
- Department of Surgery, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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15
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Abstract
Enterocutaneous and aortoenteric fistulas arise from a diverse array of pathophysiologic states. Classification by anatomic, physiologic, and etiologic systems is critical to both nonoperative and operative treatment planning.
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Affiliation(s)
- S M Berry
- Department of Surgery, University of Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
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Prada JL, Torre-Cisneros J, Kindelan JM, Jurado R, Villanueva JL, Navarro M, Linares MJ. Deafness and blindness in a HIV-positive patient with cryptococcal meningitis. Postgrad Med J 1996; 72:575. [PMID: 8949603 PMCID: PMC2398570 DOI: 10.1136/pgmj.72.851.575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
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Khan AM, Dickson AP. Spontaneous perforation of the duodenum in a 14-year-old. Postgrad Med J 1996; 72:575. [PMID: 8949604 PMCID: PMC2398563 DOI: 10.1136/pgmj.72.851.575-a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
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Albanese CT, Meza MP, Gardner MJ, Smith SD, Rowe MI, Lynch JM. Is computed tomography a useful adjunct to the clinical examination for the diagnosis of pediatric gastrointestinal perforation from blunt abdominal trauma in children? THE JOURNAL OF TRAUMA 1996; 40:417-21. [PMID: 8601860 DOI: 10.1097/00005373-199603000-00016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Perforations of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, compared to solid organ injuries, are a relatively infrequent sequela of blunt abdominal trauma in children. The purpose of this study is to review retrospectively the diagnostic modalities used in 30 children with proven traumatic intestinal perforations treated at one institution. Since computed tomography with intravenous and oral GI contrast is commonly used in the diagnosis of suspected solid organ injury from blunt abdominal trauma, we evaluated retrospectively the computed tomographic (CT) scan findings in these children in an attempt to accurately predict or suggest GI perforation. Between January 1987 and December 1993, 5,795 children were admitted. Three hundred fifty suffered blunt abdominal trauma of which 30 patients (8.5%) required surgery for a GI perforation and formed the basis for this study. Data collected were mechanisms of injury, results of admission and serial clinical examinations, results of radiologic imaging, associated injuries, operative findings, and outcome. Follow-up was obtained on all patients and averaged 2.5 years. Blows to the abdomen (handlebars, cars, kicks) were the most common cause of perforation, followed by seatbelt injuries. Eleven patients underwent immediate laparotomy an average of 0.75 hours after admission. The indication for surgery was shock (three), clinically apparent peritonitis (five), and free air on plain abdominal radiograph (three). Nineteen patients underwent "later" laparotomy, an average of 3.4 hours after admission, all because of the eventual development of peritonitis. Retrospective review of these CT scans revealed free air anterior to the liver in three, and the remaining 16 had CT findings suggestive of GI injury such as free fluid, focal fluid-filled thick-walled bowel loops, and mesenteric infiltration. There were five (26%) false negative CT scans performed an average of 5.0 hours after injury. We believe serial physical examinations are the gold standard for diagnosing pediatric GI perforation from blunt abdominal trauma. The CT scan may be a useful adjunct to the diagnosis of an intestinal perforation in patients who have no immediate indication for surgery. Presently, the only CT finding that is an absolute indication for laparotomy is free air (in the absence of pulmonary/mediastinal injury or barotrauma). The other CT "findings" need to be validated prospectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- C T Albanese
- Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Department of Pediatric Surgery, PA 15213-2583, USA
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Affiliation(s)
- S M Berry
- Department of Surgery, University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Ohio
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